Outside in Aotearoa
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
Environment Canterbury lists a free McLeans Forest anniversary day on 3 October 2026, with activities from 10am to 2pm and a lunchtime barbecue.
Read more... : McLeans Forest celebrates 20 years on 3 OctoberQueenstown Marathon is scheduled for 14 November 2026, with marathon, half-marathon, 10km and kids’ options. Start with the right event and logistics.
Read more... : Queenstown Marathon 2026: choose your distance before the tripThe new Kea Series runs from Whakatāne in November to Nelson in May, linking eight events. Check the series format before planning your summer.
Read more... : Kea Series announces its 2026–27 trail-running calendarDOC reports higher bat activity around the Heaphy Track in 2026 than in 2018. The monitoring measures bat passes, not a count of individual bats.
Read more... : Heaphy bat monitoring records a rise in activityDOC reported a completed refurbishment of Whakapapa Holiday Park’s 32-bed lodge in July. Here’s what changed and what to check before a group stay.
Read more... : Whakapapa Holiday Park’s lodge has had a winter refreshHastings District Council is consulting on a new Waimārama beach vehicle proposal. It remains a proposal, with submissions to inform the final decision.
Read more... : Waimārama beach vehicle proposal opens for public feedbackDOC is aiming to introduce Goat Island parking charges in December 2026, with pricing due in October. The fee is not confirmed in the announcement.
Read more... : Goat Island parking charges are planned for DecemberDOC’s September count puts the kākāpō population at 325, including 90 chicks from the season. It’s a milestone, with major recovery work still ahead.
Read more... : Kākāpō population reaches 325 after a strong breeding seasonDOC has reported a whio fatally injured by fishing line on the Tongariro River. Keep casts clear of birds and remove discarded line and hooks.
Read more... : Tongariro whio death prompts a reminder to take fishing line homeBrook Waimārama Sanctuary has reported raukawa plants previously unrecorded there. The find is a reminder that conservation work protects more than birds.
Read more... : A rare tree find at Brook Waimārama puts plants in the spotlightDOC reports one rat across 1,342 trap boxes checked in Flora after winter predator control. The result is a monitoring snapshot, not a pest-free guarantee.
Read more... : Flora monitoring returns an encouraging predator-control resultDOC has announced a ten-year pause on new marine mammal permits around Banks Peninsula. Existing permitted operators are not covered by the pause.
Read more... : Banks Peninsula extends its pause on new marine mammal permits
